Siemens’ Mireo Plus H Hydrogen Train Enters Passenger Service

Siemens Mobility has announced the introduction of its Mireo Plus H hydrogen and Mireo Plus B battery trains into passenger service across multiple regions in Germany.

Mireo Plus H Hydrogen Trains

The Mireo Plus H hydrogen train has been authorised for passenger operation and will debut on the Heidekrautbahn line in Berlin-Brandenburg. This rollout aligns with the scheduled timetable change on 15 December 2024

The Mireo Plus H trains, which have a range of 1,200 kilometres and a top speed of 160 km/h, will provide a quieter, more efficient alternative to diesel-powered services.

They will enter passenger service with Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn Betriebsgesellschaft (NEB), cutting CO2 emissions by 3,000 tonnes annually and saving 1.1 million litres of diesel fuel. Locally produced hydrogen will power the trains, with water vapour as the only emission.

Meanwhile, in Bavaria, the Mireo Plus H will commence phased operations on the East Allgäu-Lechfeld and Ammersee-Altmühltal networks for Bayrische Regiobahn (BRB). Test operations will begin in stages and will later be expanded to also run on the Ammersee-Altmühltal network. Ultimately, diesel propulsion is scheduled to be fully phased out in Bavaria’s regional rail system by 2040.

Mireo Plus B Battery Trains

In addition, Siemens’ Mireo Plus B battery trains are set to replace diesel trains in the East Brandenburg rail network. A total of 31 units will enter service by mid-2025, significantly reducing diesel consumption by 4.4 million litres annually and lowering regional CO2 emissions by 11,500 tonnes.

These two-car trains can travel over 120 kilometres on battery power alone and feature accessibility-focused designs, including multi-purpose areas for wheelchairs and strollers, as well as modern amenities such as WiFi and dynamic passenger information systems.